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Chancellor's Dare to Learn Lecture

Office of the Chancellor

This lecture aims to introduce the campus community to various perspectives from experts and leaders and encourage the community to explore a wide range of ideas.

The name reflects the university’s motto, Discere Aude, which is often translated as “dare to learn.”

“A university setting is the perfect arena to consider new knowledge and inspire a free exchange of ideas from multiple perspectives. I hope the lecture sparks healthy conversations and dares the community to dig deeper and expand its horizons.”

– Chancellor Aswani K. Volety

About the Lecture

The fall 2025 Dare to Learn Lecture will be held Monday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium. WECT TV news anchor Jon Evans will moderate the event. The event is free; however, tickets are required. 

Register for tickets here

About the Speaker

Vice President Mike Pence

Vice President Mike Pence will deliver the fall 2025 Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture at UNCW. Pence served as the 48th Vice President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, the Governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017 and a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013. In 2021, he founded the policy organization Advancing American Freedom.  
 
He graduated from Indiana University School of Law, where he met his wife, former Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence. They have three children, Michael, Charlotte and Audrey. His New York Times bestselling autobiography, So Help Me God, was published in 2022 and his second book, Go Home for Dinner, in 2023.

“We are honored to welcome Vice President Pence to UNCW for our signature public lecture series,” Chancellor Aswani K. Volety said. “As a university that ‘dares to learn,’ UNCW values providing students with opportunities to hear from leaders whose experiences inspire the free exchange of thoughts and opinions within a campus climate of civility and mutual respect.” 

For event attendees

The UNCW Police Department is working closely with the Wilmington Police Department, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department, and the Vice President’s private security detail. This collaboration, along with added security measures, will support a safe and secure environment for attendees and our greater campus community.  

To support an efficient and safe lecture experience, all ticketholders should be aware of the following protocols: 

  • You can line up at 5 p.m. 
  • Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. 
  • The program is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. NO LATE SEATING. 
  • Metal detectors will be in use at entry points. 
  • Clear bag/no bag expectations will be in place. Approved bags include: 
    • Clear tote bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12” 
    • One-gallon clear plastic zip-style bags 
    • Small purses or clutch bags that do not exceed 6.5″ x 4.5″ 
    • Medical or diaper bags (must be accompanied by a child) 

Bags that are not permitted include: 

  • Backpacks 
  • Printed pattern or tinted plastic bags 
  • Drawstring bags 
  • Fanny packs 
  • Camera or binocular cases 
  • Large purses or bags 

Lecture guests should plan to arrive early to allow time for parking, security screening and bag checks. 

Parking is free when attending an event at Kenan Auditorium and is available next to the building and in the adjacent lots.

Having trouble finding your ticket? Search in your email: UNCW confirmation

About the Series

The Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture is an exploration of leadership. Guest speakers share their stories, experiences and lessons learned. Former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Kelly, the Honorable Aldona Woś, M.D. and veteran political strategists Donna Brazile and Karl Rove are past speakers. 

Past Dare to Learn Lectures

UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety launched the Chancellor's Dare to Learn Lecture in 2023. Find out more about past lectures and speakers: